Cabinet Clears New Climate Goals, Targets 60% Clean Energy by 2035

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi, has approved India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the period 2031–2035. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s climate strategy under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

The revised targets reflect India’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility while advancing its long-term vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Key Climate Targets Announced

Emissions Intensity Reduction Target Raised

India has pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 47 per cent by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. This marks a substantial increase from its earlier commitments and signals stronger climate ambition.

Shift Towards Clean Energy

The country has set a target to achieve 60 per cent of its cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2035.

This includes expansion in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear power.

Expansion of Carbon Sink

India also aims to create an additional carbon sink of 3.5 to 4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent through increased forest and tree cover by 2035, using 2005 as the baseline year.

Strong Progress on Previous Commitments

Early Achievement of Earlier Targets

The government highlighted that India has already met several of its earlier climate goals ahead of schedule:

• Emissions intensity reduced by 33–35 per cent target (achieved earlier)
• Non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity reached 40 per cent target ahead of 2030

Latest Progress Data

• Emissions intensity declined by 36 per cent between 2005 and 2020
• Non-fossil fuel capacity exceeded 52 per cent as of February 2026

These achievements underscore India’s proactive approach to climate action.

Carbon Sink and Forest Growth Efforts

India has also made notable progress in enhancing its carbon sink capacity:

• 2.29 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent already created by 2021
• Achieved through afforestation and ecosystem restoration

Global bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organization have recognized India among the leading countries in net forest area gain.

Key Government Initiatives Driving Climate Action

Clean Energy and Industrial Transformation

India’s updated NDC outlines a multi-sectoral approach to climate action. Key initiatives include:

• National Green Hydrogen Mission
• PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes
• PM-KUSUM
• Expansion of nuclear energy
• Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies

These initiatives aim to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

India’s Global Climate Leadership

International Collaborations

India continues to play a leadership role in global climate cooperation through platforms such as:

• International Solar Alliance
• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
• Global Biofuel Alliance
• LeadIT

These collaborations strengthen global efforts toward sustainable development and climate resilience.

Focus on Climate Adaptation Measures

Strengthening Resilience to Climate Impacts

Alongside mitigation, the government has emphasized adaptation strategies to address climate risks:

• Coastal protection through mangrove restoration
• Early warning systems for extreme weather events
• Glacier monitoring in Himalayan regions
• Implementation of heat action plans across states

Policy Framework and Implementation

India’s climate actions are guided by:

• National Action Plan on Climate Change
• State-level climate action plans

Supporting schemes include:

• Jal Jeevan Mission
• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

People-Centric Climate Initiatives

Encouraging Public Participation

The government is also promoting community-driven climate action through initiatives such as:

• Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)
• Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam

These programs encourage citizens to adopt sustainable lifestyles and contribute to environmental conservation.

Broader Context: India’s Climate Strategy

India’s updated targets reflect a balanced approach that integrates economic growth with environmental sustainability. As one of the fastest-growing major economies, the country faces the dual challenge of meeting energy demands while reducing emissions.

The new NDC reinforces India’s commitment to global climate goals while ensuring energy security and industrial growth.

Conclusion

India’s approval of updated climate targets for 2031–2035 marks a significant step forward in its environmental journey. By raising the emissions intensity reduction target to 47% and increasing clean energy capacity to 60%, the country is demonstrating stronger climate ambition.

Backed by robust policy frameworks, large-scale initiatives, and global collaborations, India is positioning itself as a key player in the global fight against climate change.

As the country moves toward its long-term goals of net-zero emissions by 2070 and becoming a developed nation by 2047, these updated commitments will play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable and resilient future.